ers feeling anxious. Some night it
happens one of the crew of the lifeboat goes out and does not return. At
any time it may be my turn. I know three widows now."

"I think they ought to pick out the unmarried men," remarked Darry, who
had himself been considering this very subject.

"They do, I believe, as far as they can; but we must have bread, and the
number of available surfmen is small. But those who win their living
from the sea learn to expect these things sooner or later. It is only a
question of time."

After a bit of lunch Darry was sent to the village on an errand.

This was how he happened to see Jim Dilks again.

The meeting occurred just before Darry reached the grocer's, and as Jim
was totally unaware of his coming he had no chance to assume airs.

Darry looked at him eagerly, as though expecting to make a discovery;
and this anticipation met with no disappointment.

There could be no doubt about Jim limping, and once he instinctively
put his hand back of him as if to rub a spot that pained more or less.

Darry understood what it meant, and that he had not sent that shower of
fine bird shot after the trio of desperate young scamps in vain.

If Hank Squires wanted positive evidence as to who had been connected
with the firing of Mrs. Peake's out-buildings he could find it upon an
examination of the person of Jim Dilks.

When the good-for-nothing caught sight of Darry it was surprising how he
stiffened up and walked as upright as a drum-major.

Darry had lost all respect for the prowess of the young ruffian, after
that one trial of strength, when he had found Jim so lacking in
everything that goes to make up a fighter. He had the feeling that he
could snap his fingers in the other's face.

Being a boy he could not help from addressing the ex-bully, and rubbing
it in a little, for Jim was scowling at him ferociously.

"Hello, Jim, how's the sprain--or was it rheumatism you had in your
wrist? Sorry to see it's gone down now into one of your legs, and makes
you limp. I tell you what's good for that sort of thing. First, be sure
to take out any foreign substance, such as gravel, _lead_ or anything
like that; then wash it well and rub on some sort of ointment. Follow
the directions and it will work fine," he said, as soberly as though he
meant every word.

If anything, Jim scowled worse than before, since his guilty soul knew
that this boy suspected his connection with the lawless act of the
rece